It goes without saying that iOS and Android are two of the most popular mobile operating systems. And even though we have seen many competitors in the past, none of them could remove these two operating systems from their reign. Well, now, Liberty Phone from Purism is making the same attempt as the other companies of the past.
The phone brings a Linux-based operating system that’s more focused on privacy. And it is basically for those users who want to have total control over their data. But the most interesting fact is that the Liberty Phone starts at $2,200. In comparison, the latest high-end device from Apple, iPhone 14 Pro Max, starts at $1,099.
About Liberty Phone
Before discussing Liberty Phone’s pricing, let’s check out what it has to bring to the table. So, the phone comes with an NXQ Quad-core processor, which is basically a low-mid-range chipset. Purism has paired that processor with 4GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.
4GB of RAM might seem little. But as the Liberty Phone is running on a Linux-based OS, which is extremely light, it’s more than enough. Also, the game is not meant for gaming anyway. So, you should not have much problem with daily driving the device and using all your essential applications.
Other than that, you will find a 5.7-inch IPS display on the Liberty Phone. But the screen resolution is 720p, which is enough, but the current standard is 1080p. So, Purism could have definitely worked in this department of the device. When it comes to the camera setup, the device has a single camera on the back.
Yes, you read that right. In a day where we see three cameras on the back of a sub $200 phone, the Liberty Phone has a single camera. But the good news is that the 4500mAh battery of the device is removable. This should result in easy replacements when the battery loses its ability to hold a charge after years of use.
Other specs of the Liberty Phone include a 3.5 mm charging port, an 8 MP front-facing camera, and 18W wired charging.
What Makes the Phone Get Such a High Price Tag?
Looking at the specs above, you are probably saying that the phone’s hardware configuration is just like a phone that’s a decade old. Well, you would be right. As mentioned earlier, even the cheap sub $200 devices come with better specs than the Liberty Phone.
What’s more important is that the phone is not even made of luxurious materials. It has the same construction as any regular low to mid-range device. So, what made Purism put such a high price tag on the Liberty Phone? Let’s take a closer look:
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Privacy
As Purism quoted, “If you want a smartphone built outside China and the walled gardens of Google and Apple, Purism’s Liberty Phone may be for you.” In simpler words, the device is strictly for those who do not want their sensitive data to be in the hands of others.
Purism also has sourced all of its components from manufacturers that are based in America. This allows the brand to make sure that there is no fishy or data-stealing hardware inside the phone.
Moreover, you will find hardware kill switches that will physically disconnect the camera, WiFi, microphone, cellular, and GPS. In other words, you can block off any tracking or snooping with these kill switches. And as the phone runs on PureOS based on Debian (Linux), you get full control over the software.
As Purism says, these specific features “ensure that your personal data is secure and not sold to third parties.”
No Involvement of Third Parties and More Flexibility
PureOS does not ship with any Google services. You will also not find any unessential apps or services in the Liberty Phone. Through this, Purism ensures that the operating system is free of anything that might potentially invade your privacy.
In addition, the fact that PureOS is based on Debian, you can use it as a full-fledged desktop. You just need to connect the Liberty Phone to an external display. Of course, Samsung and other brands offer something similar. But with Debian, you get more versatility and more functionality. You can basically use it as a portable Linux PC.
Unlimited Data, Text, and Talk Time in the USA
Another selling point for Liberty Phone is AweSIM. It’s basically the dedicated cellular service of Purism. Like the theme of the phone, this service also prioritizes the privacy of the user. But most importantly, when you purchase the device, you get unlimited talk time, data, and text in the USA with AweSIM.
Should You Buy the Purism Liberty Phone?
Yes, the Liberty Phone excels in prioritizing your privacy. And there’s no denying that it comes with some unique features too. But I don’t really see the point of pricing it at $2,200. You can argue that no one can put a price on privacy. However, you can get the same level of control with GrapheneOS and CalyxOS.
You can install These two custom ROMs in basically all modern Android phones. Of course, you need to have some knowledge about installing custom ROMs. But the good news is there are many forums and guides available. You can follow them and get these privacy-focused Android ROMs without facing that many issues.
